8 Things to Know About Chanel’s Fall 2016 Couture Show

Karl Lagerfeld returned to the Grand Palais today to present Chanel’s Fall 2016 Haute Couture collection in Paris—and like any Chanel affair the show featured elaborate sets, memorable models, and unforgettable clothes. While you wait for Sarah Mower’s full review of Lagerfeld’s latest for Chanel, get the shorthand version of what went down at Chanel’s Fall couture show here.

1. Chanel transformed the Grand Palais into a recreation of a couture atelier, complete with model forms, bolts of fabrics, cutting tables, and the petit mains to make it all happen. Models emerged from “fittings” to walk the runway in their just-completed couture creations.

3. Jessica Chastain was also in attendance, sporting a sequined Chanel blazer and leather pencil skirt.

Expand

Photo: Courtesy of @indieboy

4. The collection spanned suiting, cocktail frocks, and fantastical evening wear, but nearly every single look was completed with black arm gauntlets and high black boots with a kitten heel, acting like a black suede canvas for Lagerfeld’s creations.

Expand

Photo: Courtesy of Fashion To Max / @fashiontomax

5. Several looks featured high shearling collars that mimicked the models’ curly updos.

Expand

Photo: Courtesy of Eny Whitehead / @enywhitehead

6. The higher the hair, the closer to god—meaning the bouffant-like hairdos by Sam McKnight were practically holy. Piles of miniature curls were piled atop the models’ heads, topped off with black bow headbands.

Expand

Photo: Courtesy of Sam McKnight / @sammcknight1

7. Edie Campbell closed the show as the bride, wearing a pale apricot beaded jacket with an elaborate ostrich feather train.

Expand

Photo: Courtesy of Sarah Mower / @sarahmower_

8. Sorry Hudson Kroenig, this season Lagerfeld took his bow arm-in-arm with his couture seamstresses, many still wearing their sewing kits.